Her Prada Cowboy: McCulloch County Series #1
Page 4
He did.
Once again he possessed.
Over and over. Just as he promised, weakening every muscle in her body, taking charge of every thought in her mind.
In the end she begged him to stop. She was weak, covered in sweat. Every muscle in her body ached. Her thighs were so sore she winced when she moved. Her inner channel chafed and swollen.
Jarrod was not faring any better. His body had a sheen of sweat from top to bottom. His dick ached … shit, it was damn pulsing … but it was a delicious throbbing ache. Although, he acknowledged with a grimace, that he might have to use an ice pack in the morning to soothe it.
He rolled over on his back next to her. His hand rested possessively on her quivering belly. Their breathing was haggard in the quiet room. Jarrod groaned when he sat up and looked down at Shannon. She was sprawled out, her legs still spread and her arms above her head. His dick jerked.
Holy shit … down boy! Enough already!
He rolled off the bed and lifted Shannon in his arms. She complained loudly.
“No! Sleep … I need to sleep!”
Jarrod chuckled and kissed her on her nose.
“Soon, doll face.”
He stood with her under a tepid shower and had to hold her up, her legs were that weak. He washed her and them him. He dried them quickly and carried her back to the bed. He stood looking down at the rumpled sheets and realized they were soaked.
He turned and carried her to her room and laid her on the bed. She was already asleep. He switched off the bedside lamps and settled next to her, drawing her in his arms. She curled around him and threw her leg over his hip. Her small hand curved over his chest and her head found a spot on his shoulder. He sighed contently and closed his eyes, only to have them sprung open in shock. It was the first time he would sleep with a woman in his arms. Damn and if it did not feel right. As if that was exactly where she belonged.
So damn right!
Shannon woke up feeling completely disorientated. She stretched and then cried out. Every muscle complained. She turned on her back, wincing when even her nipples tingled with tenderness.
A low moan escaped her lips. She grabbed a pillow and slapped it over her face, only to throw it on the floor just as quickly. It smelled of him. Gorgeous, delicious Cowboy! It was not a dream. He did spent most of the night making lust with her … or was it more than that? It most definitely felt like it. He was tender, and yet so wild with unbridled passion for her. He totally blew her mind.
Wonderful Shannon! He’s a bloody Cowboy! Yes … but he is a Prada Cowboy!
As if that mattered, her conscience muttered back at her. She was a corporate chick. She preferred high powered corporate men. Not naked chested, ab flaunting, Prada wearing Cowboys!
She sat up and lowered her legs to the floor. She got up and cried out with the first step she took. Good Lord! Her thighs were killing her! It felt as if she just had a 72 hour marathon session at the gym doing squats! He most definitely delivered on his promise. She could barely walk! Her inner channel pinched in complaint with every step she took.
After a quick shower she felt fresh and relaxed. She was most definitely going to be a little uncomfortable and sore for a few days. Her bags were in the walk-in cupboard and she sighed with relief. She pulled on a purple thong and a pair of Sissy Boy skinny jeans with a purple stretch top that hugged her breasts. The shorts sleeves only started at the top of her arms, leaving her shoulders bare. She slipped her feet in a pair of purple Jimmy Choo, high heeled sandals. The thin straps that crossed from her toes to her ankles showed off her well-formed, small feet with her purple painted toe nails.
She groaned with every step she took and walked back to the bed. There was no way she would be able to walk with high heels!
Damn you, Muscle Man!
Oh, please Shannon! You demanded and begged a hell of a lot yourself! It was not just all his doing!
Oh, shut up!
She blushed at the reminder and could not deny that it was the truth. It was not only him that could not get enough. She still wanted more, even now!
She took the high heels off and slipped on a pair of flat sandals. Shannon blushed noticing the dark love mark Jarrod left in her neck. Big, dark and right there in your face. No one would miss it! She groaned and cursed her own wantonness of the night before. She has never allowed anyone to give her a love bite before! How was she going to explain this to Rosa?
She brushed her hair and pulled them into a low ponytail below her ear. That way it hid the mark somewhat. She looked at her reflection and nodded. Not too bad. She used very little make up and smoothed some mauve colored balm over her lips.
A movement above the mirror caught her eye and she nearly screamed again.
“It is all your fault! If it was not for you and your buddy, he would never have come to my room!”
The horny toad returned her glare, but when he started stalking in her direction, she quickly got up and left the room. Walking was a slow process and taking the stairs even more so. She realized with a start that it was probably already close to noon. The sun was already high in the sky.
She found Rosa in the kitchen, joking with another muscled Cowboy. They turned when she walked in and the Cowboy’s whole body posture changed. He turned into automatic seducing mode. Shannon groaned in her mind.
Holy cow, not another one!
“And who do we have here, Rosa darlin’?”
“This is Shannon Davis. She is a guest of Jay’s.”
Her tone of voice warned the Cowboy very clearly that she was off limits. His eyebrows rose and his eyes caressed over her body.
“A guest of Jay’s? You’re kiddin’ right? He has never hitched up a woman here.”
He turned back to Shannon and held out his hand. His smile wide and flirty. If not for the fact that another, even sexier and more attractive Cowboy totally spoiled her for other men, she would have been flattered. As it were, she just got irritated.
“Name’s Noah Cutter. Best friend to Jay.”
She nodded and smiled at him.
“Why did you not wake me, Rosa? Look at the time already.”
“Jay’s instruction, lovey. I made you a light brunch. You must be thin as a string by now.”
“You are a gem. I am starving.”
She took a seat and winced when she lowered herself slowly. Noah watched her and smiled slowly. Jay instructing Rosa to let her sleep, wincing when she sat down. Unbelievable! His friend had a woman in his bed. By the looks of it, she stayed the night! This was very, very interesting. Everyone knew he never brought a woman home. He sure as hell never spent the whole night with one!
“Are you also a rancher, Noah?”
“Yip, Cutter Cove Ranch. I breed Brahman cattle, close to Brady.”
Shannon sat up and looked at him, ignoring Rosa waving her off warningly, already knowing what was on her mind.
“Are you going back there any time soon?”
“Yeah. Jay’s apparently workin’ out on the outer border and will only be back when the sun drops from the sky. I just checked in on my way back from Waco.”
“I wonder if I could possible ask for a lift into Brady?”
“Of course! It would be my pleasure.”
“I don’t think Jay is gonna like that, Nonnie.”
Shannon blushed and looked at her through her eyelashes.
“It is important that I get to Houston today, Rosa. Noah says he is only going to be back late this afternoon. I can’t wait until then.”
“He is gonna fly of his handle and I will be the one in the way!”
“I’m sorry, Rosa, but I don’t have another choice.”
“Well then. Any luggage I can throw in the truck before we buck off?”
“Yes, in my room.”
She winced just thinking of walking up the stairs again. Noah noticed it and chuckled. Damn his buddy must have had one hell of a night. He most definitely envied him.
This was one Chiqui
ta banana! Pity he found her first.
On the other hand, he was not possessive with his floozies and never minded if Noah had them too. He looked her over again and shook his head.
This one was different. For one thing she was here in his house and it was very clear he spent the whole night with her. And he was very sure they did not sleep.
“Rosa, just direct me to the room and I’ll go fetch it so long.”
Rosa mumbled but told him which room. He strolled out and disappeared. Rosa sat down across from her and frowned at Shannon.
“Nonnie, you don’t know Jay. He is gonna freak’n blow his lid. Rather wait until he is home.”
“Rosa, I am really thankful for everything you’ve done for me. Please tell Jay I appreciate him taking me in for the night, but it is an opportunity to get to Houston in time.”
It is most definitely better for my own sanity to leave before he is back!
She hugged Rosa who continued to grumble about Jay and a hissy fit. She asked Noah to take her directly to the airport in Brady.
Noah laughed and shook his head. There was definitely something going on between his buddy and this lady. There was a private airstrip on Jay’s ranch and he had a small jet and helicopter, he could have taken her to Houston at any time. She was running away. No wonder Rosa was so upset.
“No airports in Brady, I’m afraid. But my cousin owns a private airstrip just a slip out of town. I know he has a group of tourists he is flyin’ to Houston after lunch. I’m sure he will have space for one more.”
“That would be ideal. Thank you for giving me a lift.”
“My pleasure. I just hope I don’t lose my best buddy in the doin’ of it.”
Shannon blushed and cleared her throat.
“I …er … think you have the wrong idea. We only met yesterday and he knew I was leaving today.”
“If you say so, love.”
He phoned his cousin and he was only too willing to take her with. She had to argue with him about charging her, but he was adamant that he was doing it as a favor to their buddy, Jay.
While waiting for the tourists to arrive, she quickly phoned the car rental agency to report the breakdown of the car. They apologized profusely. She was embarrassed that she could not give them directions to the vehicle, but they managed to allocate it using the GPS chip system in the car.
Shannon only relaxed when they were in the air. A heavy sigh escaped her lips. Her heart was not in agreement with her mind. A tight band squeezed around her heart, reminding her of what she had left behind. They had a night of blazing sex, but she acknowledged, that there was a spark between them. A spark that electrified her heart and soul. A spark worth pursuing.
Yeah right. You live in LA. Exactly how is that going to pan out?
Oh, butt out!
Right girl. You do remember he is a Cowboy as well? Not the Corporate, high powered type you prefer.
I said, butt out!
Chapter Five
Jarrod was dead on his feet by the time they got back to the ranch house around five in the afternoon. He barely had an hours’ sleep the night before and catching those stubborn wild stallions, was the last thing he had energy for. He sighed and handed Hades’ reins to James and strode to the house.
He found Rosa in the kitchen, mumbling to herself. He shook his head. She was the sweetest woman, but sometimes a little light headed. He grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and swallowed down half of it before he turned to Rosa.
She stood watching him with wringing hands. His heart contracted. He knew her well enough to know when something happened that she knew he would not like.
“How did she leave?”
“Ehm … by car?”
“Is that a statement or a question, Rosa?”
“Truck. She left by truck.”
“She took my truck?”
“No.”
“Rosa!”
“Now don’t blow a hissy fit, Jay. I warned her! She said she had no choice. She had to get to Houston today.”
“Rosa, whose truck did she leave in?”
“Noah’s.”
She blanched when he stiffened.
“She left with Noah?”
“Yeah.”
“How could you let her leave with that libertine, Rosa? You know how he is with women!”
Her eyebrows rose sardonically and he cursed.
“What time did they leave?”
He dug his cell phone out of his pocket and scrolled down to Noah’s number. He punched the dial button and waited.
“Around noon.”
“Buddy! I checked in this mornin’.”
“Sorry I missed you.”
“Yeah, sure you are. Wanna go belly up at the bar with Dan and me tonight?”
“Maybe.”
“What’s the kicker, buddy?”
“Where’s she?”
Noah laughed a deep laugh of enjoyment.
“Now that’s a whole 'nuther story. Where did you pick her up, Jay? More importantly, would you mind if I took a bite out of that sweet ass?”
Jarrod clenched his fists and had Noah stood in front of him, he would have beaten him to a pulp.
“Buddy? You there?”
“Only if you want to lose the ability to ever take a bite out of any sweet ass again!”
“Yip … just as I thought!”
“What are you blabberin’ about?”
“You, my dear Jarrod … nah … I’d rather sit back and watch. It would be way more interestin’!”
‘I don’t know what you’re on about. Where is she, Noah?”
“Who?”
“Now you are really pissin’ me off!”
“Probably somewhere in Houston.”
“Probably? How the hell did she get there?”
“Dan.”
“I’ll see you later at the bar.”
Rosa watched Jarrod with a small smile on her lips. Her sweet boy’s stray was the one!
“What’re you smilin’ about, Rosa?”
“Nuttin’. You’re belly growlin’, Jay? Grub’s ready.”
“Yeah … it’s been a lon’ day.”
“You think you have enough energy to mosey over to Brady and bar hop?”
Jarrod slumped down on one of the kitchen chairs. He pulled the band from his hair and ran his hand through the long tresses. He re-tied it and drank the rest of the water.
“Yeah … I think I need to get good and drunk tonight.”
“You do know you hafta start tamin’ those buckwilin' horses in the mornin’?”
“Shoot, you’re right.”
“What about Nonnie?”
Jarrod smiled with a wicked gleam in his eyes.
“Oh, don’t you worry, Rosa. She’ll be back.”
He scrolled to a number on his phone again and spoke to his cousin, Reed Parker, who was a FBI operative in Dallas.
“I’m goin’ to take a shower before dinner, Rosa. Give me thirty minutes.”
Jarrod walked out on his balcony, dialing the number his cousin texted him. He ran his hand through his still wet hair.
“Hmm … h’lo.”
His dick stood on attention with the first syllable and he clenched his teeth.
This bloody woman is going to turn me into her own personal sex slave!
“Running away, doll face?”
“How did you find my number?”
“Oh, I am very resourceful, honey. So for future reference, don’t bother running. I will always find you.”
“Why would you want to?”
“You have to ask me that after last night, doll face? We’re not done yet, you and I. Not by a long shot. See you soon, honey.”
He ended the call and walked down to dinner with a wide smile on his face.
Shannon stared at the phone. Still not sure if she was still sleeping or if he really did call. Moreover, if he really meant what he said. Her core pulsed in excitement and she moaned.
How can I want more
when I am still sore and swollen after last night? How the devil did he find me?
She rolled onto her back and looked at the time on her phone. It was just after six and she was starving. She dressed quickly and checked with Damien, the colleague she was meeting, if he was ready for dinner. They agreed to meet for a quick pre-dinner drink and she took the elevator down.
Damien was already waiting and as usual, his heart started beating faster when he noticed her in the doorway. She was so beautiful, but for him, totally unattainable. But a guy could dream from afar. As long as she never realized it!
“Hi Damien. It’s good to see you.”
“You too, Boss.”
“You have to stop calling me that. Have you ordered yet? I am really starving.”
“Yes. Dry white wine?”
She nodded. He was happy to have their drinks taken directly to their table in the dining room. Once seated, he looked at her with concern.
“Are you alright? You seem to be in pain.”
Shannon blushed, but assured him she was fine. They ordered their food and she sat back sipping on her wine.
“Did you manage to make all the changes I emailed to you earlier?”
“Yes and I must say, you really are brilliant. You are going to blow them away with that presentation. We are definitely signing that contract tomorrow.”
“I’m glad you are so positive, but I must admit, so am I. How far are their offices from here?”
“Right around the corner. Walking distance in fact.”
“Good. I would hate to be late or get lost. Where are they with our food?”
As if on cue, the waiter arrived with their food. Shannon ate with gusto. She excused herself directly after their meal, still needing to do some work on her presentation.
“Did you email me the amended presentation already?”
“Yip, this afternoon.”
“Thanks. I’ll meet you here for breakfast at eight. Sleep tight.”
“You too, Boss.”
Shannon just shook her head and walked away. She undressed and showered, wrapping a large towel around her. She powered up her laptop and sat on the bed to quickly add the additional two slides she wanted to end with.
It was nearly eleven by the time she switched off her laptop and put it away. She unwrapped the towel from around her and slipped under the sheet. Sighing, she wiggled to find her comfort spot. Her cell phone rang and she frowned, not recognizing the number.